CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride and town mayor Maureen McDonald helped to open a new business venture in the heart of Okehampton recently.

Mr Stride and Cllr McDonald were at the grand opening for Toast, a new café and cookware shop on Market Street, filling the building left vacant after the closure of Nero's nightclub.

As well as creating several jobs, the shop will sell as much local produce as possible in an effort to support local traders.

Attendees at the opening were able to sample such treats, including a special raspberry cider from Cornwall.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Stride said: 'Over the last year, I've visited Okehampton a lot. I've been here to document the hardships the town has gone through, and it is good to see new businesses coming to the town.

'There is an enormous depth of community spirit here, and new businesses like this deserve to be successful.'

Joe Farrington, who has opened the business with his wife, Hilary, said: 'It has been a journey to get to this point. We have had great support from local businesses, and I think to find anything similar to Toast you have to travel to Bath or Bristol.

'We hope it becomes a destination shop, drawing other traders and shoppers to the town.'